Otter Bench is a scenic hiking trail located on BLM land at the north end of Crooked River Ranch…read more Running parallel to Otter Bench for most of its length lies the Horny Hollow Trail, which runs closer to the river but is closed for wildlife restoration from February to August. Both trails parallel the Crooked River as it makes its way downstream to join the Deschutes and Metolius Rivers at Lake Billy Chinook. As with all rivers and creeks in Central Oregon, the Crooked has cut deep canyons into the overlying lava, creating spectacular vistas. After just under two miles, Otter Bench takes you right up to the canyon, joining the short Pink Trail that descends steeply down to the river. From there, you have the option to continue north on the somewhat longer Opal Canyon Trail. Other than the steep decent to the river - which is not necessary to enjoy this trail - Otter Bench is a fairly easy, flat hike. Trailhead is at the end of SW Horny Hollow Dr/SW Chinook Dr. From Hwy 97, drive as if you're going to the Crooked River Ranch Golf Course and keep driving until the road ends.

We had no idea what to expect. Off and road and down a winding two-lane to the resort property…read morewhich includes a golf course, bar, pool, and hiking trails. Amazing night skies!!! Adored the tiny wild bunnies, too! Located within Crooked River Ranch. First, we want to say a HUGE thank you to Samantha and Michelle who greeted us upon arrival and each morning of our stay. We shared lots of funny stories. We needed some breakfast bowls and utensils which Samantha quickly provided. Plus a "glass" for my morning shake. And, when we asked for more coffee packets and another pillow "Poof!" they were there. Now, this was off season and very few guests. I hope this is the level of hospitality during the busier months. But so glad we arrived after the heat and crowds. We had a king-bed yurt. Mattress was very comfy. And large soft pillows. Grateful for the small fridge and microwave oven. The oven seemed to have a grill/toast option which didn't really work for making toast. But we came prepared with granola and milk and enjoyed our breakfasts on the deck. We imagine during the summer months it much get pretty warm here. Not much shade, but spring and fall are delightful. Nearby hiking trail into the gorge would probably be best approached early or late in the day. Lots of nearby recreational activities including Smith Rock State Park. Sandbagger Saloon serves bar grub. An espresso cart had just closed for the season. Check about nearby equestrian opportunities and hiking on the Deschutes River. Also, very popular with fly-fisher folks.

After a 6 hr drive, we showed up and they told us they canceled our reservation because "Expedia"…read moregave them the wrong dates. They told us we didn't check in the date prior 8/29 (before our check-in date 8/30) and they rebooked the room. I showed them our proof of reservation showing the correct date of 8/30 and she shrugged and said "I don't know what to tell ya." I asked her why she didn't contact us before canceling our reservation and she said, "we don't do that." Mind you, this was a special trip for my husband's birthday! The manager also refused to give us a refund until I threatened to call the cops for double dipping- they took money for our reservation- that we NEVER canceled and took money for another reservation making the room unavailable. We had to scramble to find a hotel that costs 3x as much because of the holiday weekend and all they did was say "sorry". I will never book Smith Rock Resort again due to lack of accountability and respect from the owner - which is also evident in her responses to these reviews.

We had a fantastic time touring with Matthew! The three of us were all fly fishing for the first…read moretime. Matt provided us with everything we needed to be successful! Comfortable waders and nice rigs! Matt spent time with each one of us, giving tips, changing lures, adjusting our indicators, and showing us where to fish the river. By the end, Matt's knowledge of the river landed each one of us at least one fish with 2 member of our group landing three fish each! It was a wonderful early spring fishing trip, a very premium experience, and a great lunch to boot! Will definitely be back to book again!

We had a great time camping! The sites are clean, shady and perfect getaway! We will be back soon!read more

So worth the hour us drive from Redmond! I highly recommend experiencing the beauty of the area!read more

Great views, but would only recommend it if you're in the area, not as a destination. Takes a…read morecouple of hours max to view.

Jake put a 6.5-284 Norma rifle together for me a short while back. Over a little time I worked up…read morea load which allowed an accuracy of quarter inch or better size groups which were easily reproducible at 100 yards off a bench. In a no wind situation it also produced groups which were easily minute of angle out to 800 yards. Some were even better than that. I used Hornady's 147 grain eld match bullet in front of 47.2 grains of H 4350 powder ignited by Fed match primers. I understand this is one man's experience with one rifle but with what I've seen of Jake's work I can recommend his effort to build accurate rifles over most if not all of the custom builders operating in today's market place and I have quite a few of their examples. If you're interested in developing a long range rifle you might at least give Jake a call and listen to his commentary regarding your interests. You won't be sorry.

Nice enough place but avoid the lunches on general principle. Secure yourself a Banquet frozen…read moredinner and come out ahead. Lunches are now $4 and are sorry plates of, in today's instance, over, over cooked broccoli, undercooked yet dry meatloaf, some potato concoction of packaged, dry processed potato shards. Unlovely concoctions served up with a small glass of milk, an insulting stale square of partially edible lemon square? It was more like a woodworking project, as we sawed through the crust with hand tools... We gave up, and scraped bits from the top layer, sensing lemon. Very sad affair and I found myself only one of 6 other diners at the table who were miffed at the obvious botched attempt at nourishing sustenance. If this is what is served to seniors in the meals on wheels program, we would do them greater service to drop off a Banquet or Lean Cuisine. At least those are edible,with minimum gagging, and every bit as nourishing.

I stopped at this cute little place to get water. We walk in, and the first thing I hear is banjo…read moremusic. Cool, I can get down with banjo playing. The thing is, I thought it was a CD playing in the store. After browsing the sad produce section (and noticing that animal food was displayed with it) I headed to the cashier. He's sitting in a chair playing a banjo. It looked like a scene right out of deliverance. But, he was nice and didn't seem to want to hurt us. We joke and laughed and went on our merry way. Nice funky little store.